A devoted couple forced to spend six months apart due to Covid were reunited in time for their 65th wedding anniversary.
Chrystine Girvan moved into Coppice Lodge care home in Arnold last October but due to government guidelines during the pandemic her husband Michael was unable to visit.
However, Chrystine, 85, and Michael, 89, were reunited for a surprise candle-lit date in the home's vintage tearoom.
The celebration for their milestone Blue Sapphire anniversary was organised by staff at the care home.
The pair missed each other so much that Michael decided to move into Coppice Lodge to be closer to his wife but he and the care team kept his arrival secret to make their anniversary even more special.
Chrystine entered the tearoom to find staff had decorated it blue balloons, bunches of flowers, bunting, fairy lights - and Michael sat waiting at a candle-lit table for two.
The emotional reunion left the care team crying with happiness for the couple as they shared a loving hug and kiss before sitting down to a three-course meal including a full roast dinner and Chrystine’s favourite dessert - cream cake.
Chrystine said: "‘I am thrilled to be reunited with Michael, it means the world to me that he has moved into Coppice Lodge.
"Our date was lovely. Everybody clearly worked very hard to pull this together. Our table setting was beautiful."
Michael added: "I simply couldn’t ask for more. The staff at Coppice Lodge have been incredibly thoughtful, our date was wonderful – I can’t thank them enough for what they did to help us celebrate our 65th wedding anniversary."
The couple, who visited the pictures for their first date followed by a walk which lasted hours chatting and getting to know one another, believe there is no secret to a happy marriage.
Chrystine said: "I believe when a couple is truly in love like us you will always be happy."
Lifestyle manager, Lorna Thornley, who helped to put the surprise date together, said: "We are so pleased we could make Michael and Chrystine’s anniversary so special.
"They are the definition of soulmates and I am delighted to see how much they enjoyed their special meal."
